FEATURED NOVEMBER NEWS

As we head into the summer months, we continue to bring you the news stories that matter to you most.

Posted On December 1, 2017 Posted By Isabella Medalle

PLATINUM VELOCITY GUESTS CAN NOW ‘FLY AHEAD’ WITH VIRGIN AUSTRALIA OVER THE PHONE

Platinum Velocity Frequent Flyers will now be able to access ‘Fly Ahead’ over the phone. This will mean that Velocity Platinum guests won’t have to wait until they get to the airport to make flight changes. The feature is also applicable to up to three other travellers on the same booking as the Platinum guest. For flights between Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, Platinum guests can move their booking to flights up to two hours ahead of their original departure. On all other routes, Fly Ahead is only available for flights immediately prior to the originally booked flight, subject to availability.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA’S WI-FI PLAN FOR TRANS-TASMAN AND LAX FLIGHTS

Virgin Australia will be offering Wi-Fi on Trans-Tasman flights from early 2018 while it will begin offering Wi-Fi on its flights from Australia- Los Angeles as of December.

PLAZA PREMIUM AND AMEX LOUNGES TO OPEN IN EARLY 2018 AT MELBOURNE AIRPORT

In early 2018, Plaza Premium and American Express will be opening new lounges at Melbourne Airport for non-status travellers. These lounges will share some facilities such as toilets and kitchens and will give non-status travellers an opportunity to pay their way into a lounge for shower access, food and drink before their flight. The new lounges will be situated in Melbourne’s T2 international terminal.

NEW AIR NEW ZEALAND LOUNGE AT DUNEDIN AIRPORT

A new Air New Zealand lounge is now open at Dunedin airport. Located in the airport’s ‘domestic’ zone, the lounge caters to over 120 guests. The lounge is open to Air New Zealand’s Elite Priority, Elite and Gold members as well as Virgin Velocity Platinum and Gold members and Club cardholders. The modern lounge offers zones for relaxation as well as working and features a beverage station and self-service food station.

BRITISH AIRWAYS ROLLS OUT UPGRADED BUSINESS CLASS PRODUCT

British Airways are currently rolling out its upgraded meal and amenity service in Business class. The upgrade now features new amenity and bedding kits, custom blankets and more comfortable padded mattresses. Its meal service has also changed for passengers as they will now have a starter, dessert and cheese board at their seat from a trolley display.

NEW ELECTRONIC VISA PROCESS FOR AUSTRALIANS VISITING BRAZIL

Australians who plan to visit Brazil will shortly be able to apply for their Brazilian visa online and receive an answer within 72 hours. The electronic visa is valid for two years and may be used for multiple entries but each stay in Brazil cannot exceed 90 days per year. This new electronic visa is all part of a plan to strengthen ties between the two nations.

AIR NEW ZEALAND LAUNCHES ADELAIDE-AUCKLAND YEAR ROUND FLIGHTS

Air New Zealand will now launch year round flights between Adelaide - Auckland on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. NZ191 flights will depart out of Auckland at 8:15am on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to arrive in Adelaide at 10:45 am. NZ192 flights will depart Adelaide on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11:40am to arrive into Auckland at 6:30pm the same day.

SKYTEAM OPENS LOUNGE AT VANCOUVER AIRPORT

The latest in SkyTeam lounge has opened at Vancouver International Airport. This is the company’s seventh lounge in the world and its first to open in the Americas. The lounge will feature showers, a buffet and bar and will accommodate First and Business Class passengers.

NEW 1960S THEMED HOTEL TO OPEN AT SYDNEY AIRPORT

In early 2018, the Felix Hotel will open at Sydney Airport. The 1960s themed boutique hotel will be located 10 minutes from Sydney’s International Terminal. It is based on the air travel heyday will featured 150 rooms divided into ‘First Class, Business, Premium Economy and Economy Rooms’. Its rooftop will feature an outdoor cinema and views of planes taking off and arriving and its top floor will feature a cocktail bar.

QT OPENS NEW PROPERTY IN QUEENSTOWN

QT Hotels and Resorts has opened a new 69-room property with views over Lake Wakatipu. The property features modern decor with floor to-ceiling- windows and QT’s signature gel beds.

NOVOTEL OPENS NEW PROPERTY IN SINGAPORE

Accorhotels have opened up another property in Singapore, the ‘Novotel Singapore on Stevens Hotel’ situated on Stevens road. The property offers 254 rooms, an infinity pool and two restaurants: Food Exchange and L’Apéritif Tapas Bar.

DOCKLANDS SKYBUS ARRIVES IN MELBOURNE

Skybus have now unveiled a new route to the airport from Southbank Docklands Airport Express that will run from the Docklands to Melbourne airport every 30 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends.